Summer Weather: Beach & Rip Current Safety

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, rip currents account for 80% of rescues performed by surf beach lifeguards. They can be deadly if a swimmer doesn’t know what to do when caught in one. Here is some vital safety information from NOAA that could save your life or the life of someone you love.

Rip currents are channelized currents of water flowing away from shore at surf beaches. They typically form at breaks in sandbars, and also near structures such as jetties and piers. Rip currents are quite common and can be found on many surf beaches every day, including Great Lakes beaches. They do not pull people under the water – they pull people away from shore.